As winter sets in and the UK braces for a cold spell, many gardeners are left wondering what they can plant at this time of year. Here are some of the best spring flowers to plant now
08:00, 18 Nov 2025Updated 08:16, 18 Nov 2025
Winter has well and truly arrived, and with a cold snap on the horizon, potentially bringing the first snow of the festive season, many green-fingered Brits are wondering what they can safely plant to ensure a blooming garden come spring.
During the winter months, most plants enter a state of dormancy to conserve energy and survive the harsh conditions brought on by the cold and lack of light.
This period of rest involves slowing or even halting growth, triggered for many plants by the shorter days and cooler temperatures of autumn.
During this time, many plants may shed their leaves, while their roots remain healthy and active in the soil, biding their time until the warmer weather returns.
However, if you’re dreaming of a beautiful floral display come spring, many gardening experts actually recommend getting your bulbs in the ground during autumn, reports the Express.
Here, we’ve compiled a list of some of the best spring flowers that you should be planting now, ideally before December rolls around.
Winter aconites start flowering in February(Image: Getty)Winter aconites
These yellow gems start flowering in February and will spread naturally if kept under the right conditions. Winter aconites thrive in sunny spots during winter, but can struggle if the summer sun dries out their soil.
Fully grown versions can be purchased around February and March.
Crocus
Bees begin their spring activities searching for nectar – and these purple, yellow and white blooms provide a crucial source, being amongst the earliest flowering species to appear annually.
Crocuses are a garden staple, with gardening experts suggesting they should be left to flourish in sunny locations – and to “throw the bulbs in the air and plant where they land, for a natural look”, according to the BBC Gardeners’ World Magazine.
Hyacinth
Hyacinths boast some of the most potent fragrances amongst all blooms globally, and are available in an extensive range of colours – blue, white, pink, yellow and other pastels as well as deep purple or magenta.
They’re also simple to cultivate and flourish in indoor pots as well as garden beds.
Alliums (Ornamental Onions)
These spherical blooms – commonly known as Ornamental Onions – offer one significant benefit: they continue flowering right through to early summer.
Remarkably straightforward to cultivate and reaching heights of up to 2 metres, Alliums appear most striking when planted in clusters.
Most gardeners choose to plant new tulip bulbs each year.(Image: Getty)Tulips
Timeless and stunning, tulips are available in every colour and form, and develop in diverse environments.
One drawback, however, is that numerous varieties only blossom during their inaugural year and don’t return, so most gardeners opt to plant fresh bulbs annually.
These plants also flower nearer to summer.
Iris
Iris reticulata, also known as dwarf irises, are among the first flowers to bloom in spring, often as early as February. These tiny, intricately beautiful flowers are a sight to behold.
Their relatives, the Dutch irises, bloom later – from late spring to early summer – and are taller and more colourful. Both types are perfect for patio pots or borders.
Snowdrops
True to their name, Snowdrops are winter warriors, making their appearance as early as January each year. They flourish in moist soil and partial shade, proving resilient regardless of the weather.
The classic variety, Galanthus nivalis, is commonly found growing under trees, even without any management.
Bluebells (Hyacinthoides)
English bluebells herald the height of spring, fully blooming around April. Bluebells may take a bit longer to establish, but they will grow and thrive in shady gardens or under trees.
Known for their bell-like structure and arching stems, bluebells are not just a feast for the eyes – they are also a vital source of nectar for pollinators.
Anemones
Another mid-spring staple, Anemones are celebrated for their pastel shades of various colours, and look fantastic under trees or along borders. Experts recommend planting them in clusters and leaving them to grow, as they are a low-maintenance species.
Daffodils
Daffodils, also known as Narcissus, come in a variety of types that bloom at different times during spring, and they can be either fragrant or not. A top tip from gardening experts is to avoid tying back the foliage once the flowers have bloomed.
Instead, gardeners are advised to let them die naturally. As Narcissuses are perennial plants, you’ll be able to enjoy their beauty year after year in your garden.
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